Analysis of JC virus DNA in NPSLE patients treated with different immunomodulatory agents

Lupus. 2013 Mar;22(3):307-11. doi: 10.1177/0961203312470977. Epub 2012 Dec 20.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this report is to assess the presence and viral load of JC polyomavirus (JCV) DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma from neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) patients in comparison to controls and to investigate if different types of immunosuppressive treatments were correlated to detection and viral load of JCV DNA in SLE.

Background: Reactivation of a latent JCV infection with subsequent development of the fatal disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has become an increasing problem in patients with autoimmune diseases treated with newer immunosuppressants. Accumulating data point out that SLE patients are at particular risk for PML compared to patients with other rheumatic diseases.

Methods: CSF samples (n = 69) and plasma samples (n = 51) from 71 SLE patients and 58 controls (53 CSF samples and 50 plasma samples) with other non-inflammatory neurological disease (OND) were analyzed for JCV DNA with a quantitative PCR method.

Results: All CSF and plasma samples from NPSLE patients and controls were negative for JCV DNA.

Conclusion: JCV DNA was absent in CSF and plasma in NPSLE patients and controls and consequently we were not able to identify any correlation between the occurrence of JCV DNA and type of immunosuppressive medication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • DNA, Viral / analysis*
  • DNA, Viral / cerebrospinal fluid
  • DNA, Viral / urine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • JC Virus / genetics*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / etiology*
  • Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal / virology
  • Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / therapy
  • Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / virology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Viral Load
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Immunologic Factors